Sennheiser HD 598

Isolation (1.11)

We didn’t expect the Sennheiser HD 598s to block out much sound, as they have open backs. Unsurprisingly, they really don’t attenuate any appreciable level of sound from the outside world, but that’s really OK. If you’re listening at home, there are those who appreciate the wide open soundstage, and there were many times when we were fooled into thinking that sounds from these cans were actually happening in the office. For very specific listening environments, isolation isn’t exactly a high priority.

Comparisons

See how the Sennheiser HD 598 compares:

Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Compare

Sennheiser HD 555 Compare

Etymotic Research mc5 Compare

Bowers & Wilkins P5-MFI Compare

Click here for more information on our isolation test.

Leakage (3.84)

Much like how the outside world will be heard while you wear the HD 598s, so too will the outside world hear what you’re listening to, and how. These cans are definitely meant to stay by the computer.

Click here for more information on our leakage test.

Maximum Usable Volume (7.84)

The Sennheiser HD 598s are capable of blasting sound at just over 110dB before they also output a 3% level of distortion, but you shouldn’t be listening to your headphones this loudly anyway. It’s nice to know that in theory your cans can blast music this loudly, but in reality: you could very well damage your hearing irreparably, which is a very sad thing for an audiophile to endure, especially if it’s a very preventable condition.